How to Retile Your Kitchen: Ceramic Tiles and More

A tile backsplash can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen. It not only adds color and pattern to an otherwise boring area, but it is easier to clean and is more durable than a painted wall. It also allows your creativity to shine through: if you choose glass tiles to create a mosaic pattern, you will be delighted at how all of your friends appreciate your craftsmanship. Although it isn't easy, it doesn't take a neurosurgeon to glass tile or ceramic tile your backsplash. Here's how:

1. Using a tile mastic, a non-mixing, ready to use formula, you can easily adhere the ceramic tiles to your wall. But first, you'll probably want to sand the wall with number 80 sandpaper to reduce imperfections. Leave the paint on the wall. The rough wall will dramatically increase the strength of the bond.

2. If you have a specific pattern you want to try, you can easily measure it out on the floor or kitchen table to make sure it will fit on the backsplash. Mark the center of the backsplash and draw a vertical line through your mark.

3. With a V-notched trowel, scoop the mastic and while holding it at an angle, spread the mastic in arcs across the wall in areas small enough for you to cover without the mastic immediately drying. Make sure you're using the proper trowel notches for your mastic.

4. Set the base ceramic tiles at the bottom of the plumb center line you drew earlier. Make sure you have enough room underneath it for a tad of caulk. Don't allow the mastic to dry, unless you want to scrape the wall clean and re-mastic the area.

5. Cut the ceramic tiles to fit with your design. Rent a ceramic tile cutter for under $20 daily, unless you have lots of projects, whereby it might be better to buy one. Score the ceramic tile according to how you need it to fit, and then snap it quickly along the line.

6. Your plumb line should center the design if you want to apply a glass tile mosaic or mural design.

7. Using a wetsaw will help you notch ceramic tiles and fit them around awkward cabinet areas, switch plates or any other obstructions. Again you can rent one of these tools easily. The diamond plate lets you cut more precisely than a tile cutter. Then use ceramic tile nippers to nip away any excess material. Finish tiling the backsplash.

8. Dry the mastic overnight. Then mix some unsanded (or sanded if the lines are greater than 1/8 inch) tile grout by following the directions. Use a rubber grout float to smear the ceramic tile in arcs. Don't get it in between the ceramic tiles and the countertop.

9. Clean the grout with a watery sponge and keep wiping diagonally so as not to remove any needed grout. After half an hour, the ceramic tiles will dry and you can wipe a film off with a rag. Tub and ceramic tile caulk should be applied into the bottom of the backsplash, the corners and where ceramic tile meets cabinet. Smooth excess caulk with your wet finger.

10. All done! Relax and admire your handiwork.

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